Established in 1954, Kololo Senior Secondary School is one of the traditional schools prominent in sports. It has a rich trophy collection from various sports discipline but the Headmaster Edward Kanoonya says the institution has since declined in sports because their sports ground was taken over by Kampala Parents School owned by businessman Sudhir Ruparelia. “So the so many trophies that we have were out of intensive practice that was being made. But in the absence of practice definitely your performance is affected and I instate to note that ever since this loss occurred we have not been excelling in as far as sports is concerned.” Said, Edward Kanoonya – Headmaster, Kololo SSS.
The tycoon appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into Land Matter chaired by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire. “My Lord, first and foremost, the primary objective was to secure the playing field for the children of Kampala Parents and Kololo Senior Secondary School.” “You develop it at what cost Mr. Sudhir?” “At what cost and at whose cost?” “My Lord, if you want me to leave it as an open field I am prepared to do that if that’s what you want. I have no intention of turning it into commercial land.” But Sudhir said he legally acquired the land from Uganda Land Commission then chaired by the late Joash Mayanja Nkangi. “Did this really follow the law, did we respect the Ugandan law, did we do everything the way they are supposed to be done?” “My Lord, I always follow the law.” “Did you actually follow the law in this case?” “I think I did.” “You are not a seating tenant, did you follow the law?”
Kololo SSS produced evidence showing that the school was the lawful seating tenant of the playing field but since Sudhir acquired the title the school has been denied access. “It is one of the basic requirement a school must have before it is even registered.” The Commission heard that two Ministers gave a no objection to Sudhir taking over Kololo SSS land even when then Minister Jessica Alupo was not in the know. “And it is authored by Hon. Charles Bakabulindi State Minister of Education in charge of Sports and the offer is the Minister of the Presidency and Kampala Capital City Frank Tumwebaze, MP Minister for the Presidency.” Said, Rev. Canon John Awodi – Board Member, Kololo SSS.
The Commission also established that the sports ground has since been partitioned into 16 plots to various developers like Nan Jing Hotel. “This title was called on what was remaining on the big title.” “The former Commissioner Land Registration is going to come here to explain how that curve took place. There is something called a mutation in the land; how she decides this place is called Sadler’s Way, that’s a big question actually it’s an ethical question. Why do want to misrepresent?” Sudhir obtained the 5 years lease which expires in August this year but it has already been renewed for 99 years. “Have you ever made a loss?” “My Lord, many times.” “Many times, could this be one of the situations where you actually make a loss? Where you get something and find that it was wrong and sorry you have to lose it?” “I have never made a loss intentionally anywhere.” “And were a licensee you were not a seating tenant. That land belonged to somebody. Don’t you have neighbors, do you have to take what is for your neighbor? Do you have to take what is for your neighbor?” “My Lord, I think the lease was granted...” “In error; the lease was granted in error. And we are saying if the lease was granted in error, should we let the error continue and we called ourselves a country that is run by a rule of law?” “No...” “Is it right Mr. Sudhir for you to sit there knowing that you have something that is so injurious and so unjustly done?” “My Lord, let the course of law follow then.” “Thank you that is what I was looking from you all along.”
